Concept of Family Health Care Related

Review Concept of Family Health Care related questions and content

A patient admitted to an alcoholism rehabilitation program says, 'I’m just a social drinker. I usually have a drink or two at brunch, a few cocktails in the afternoon, wine at dinner, and several drinks during the evening.' Which defense mechanism is evident?

  • A. Rationalization
  • B. Introjection
  • C. Projection
  • D. Denial
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Denial. The patient's statement reflects denial as they are minimizing their alcohol consumption by categorizing it as normal social drinking. Denial is a defense mechanism where a person refuses to acknowledge a reality or truth to protect themselves from anxiety or discomfort. In this scenario, the patient is not accepting the reality of their excessive drinking habits.

Explanation for other choices:
A: Rationalization - This defense mechanism involves justifying behavior with logical reasoning. The patient is not providing logical reasoning for their drinking habits.
B: Introjection - This defense mechanism involves internalizing external beliefs or values. The patient's statement does not indicate internalizing external beliefs.
C: Projection - This defense mechanism involves attributing one's unacceptable thoughts or emotions to others. The patient is not projecting their drinking habits onto others.